Correlations and genetic analysis of pod characteristics in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

A line x tester analysis was carried out in pea to determine the genetic interaction in the expression of various pod characters including pod yield. Seven varieties were selected, four of them were designated as lines Sprinter, Manuel, Carina and Bolero and three of them were called as testers, B 1, B6 and B12 line. Combining ability studies were conducted on these parents along with their F1 hybrids for the variables pod yield, hundred seed weight, pods per plant, pod width, pod length and seeds per pod. While Sprinter, Manuel and B6 were best general combiners among the parents, Sprinter x B12, Manuel x B6 and Carina x B1 were the best crosses for pod yield. Correlation studies showed that the pod yield was significant positive correlated with pods per plant and hundred seed weight. The highest direct effect was exhibited by pods per plant, indirect effects, especially through the seeds per pod in pea. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.